Accelerate is an immersive crisis communications learning experience held September 23-25 at the University of Virginia's newest property, Sycamore Hill. To thank our loyal followers, the first 20 registrants will receive a special MVP rate of $775, instead of the standard $975. Use the code JPCMVP at checkout. Don't wait, the price will increase soon.‍

About the Experience
Most crisis communications conferences teach concepts.

Accelerate teaches concepts, then challenges you to apply them.

Over three days, you work through a single unfolding crisis scenario that evolves in complexity and pressure. Each lesson is immediately followed by an opportunity to put new skills into practice through Decision Labs, facilitated exercises, media scenarios, and live mock news conferences.

It is not passive learning.

Accelerate is a crisis simulation experience designed to strengthen leadership judgment, communication, and decision-making when the stakes are highest.

Who Should Attend
Accelerate is for leaders and communicators who carry responsibility when it matters most, including:

• Executive leadership teams
• Government communicators / Public information officers (PIOs)
• Public safety professionals
• Higher education leaders and communicators
• Anyone responsible for public messaging during high-consequence events

Why Accelerate Is Different
Most professional development programs separate learning from application.

Accelerate combines them.

You won't simply discuss crisis communications best practices; you'll use them. Every lesson builds toward a realistic crisis simulation where decisions have consequences, new information changes the situation, and leaders must communicate under pressure.

What makes Accelerate unique:

• One evolving crisis scenario spanning all three days
• Immediate application of every lesson learned
• Decision Labs that mirror real-world pressure
• Media interviews and public-facing communications exercises
• Direct feedback from experienced crisis communications professionals
• A controlled environment where mistakes become lessons instead of headlines

Eat, Sleep, Network, Repeat
Some of the most valuable learning at Accelerate happens between sessions.

Because all meals are included and intentionally designed to encourage conversation, you'll have countless opportunities to connect with fellow leaders, communicators, and decision-makers who understand the realities of leading under pressure.

What to Expect

• Shared experiences, not just business cards
  ‍Work through the same evolving crisis scenario alongside your peers and build relationships through collaboration.
• Structured networking opportunities
  ‍Breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and social events are where the magic happens.
• Access to experts
  ‍Continue discussions with facilitators, guest speakers, and crisis communications professionals outside the classroom.
• Cross-industry perspectives
  ‍Learn how leaders from public safety, higher education, government, and other sectors approach communication challenges.
• A network that lasts beyond the conference
  ‍Leave with trusted connections you can lean on long after Accelerate ends.

You'll spend three days learning together, practicing together, and leading together.

What You'll Practice
You will work through realistic communications challenges, including:

• Early crisis communication decisions
• Real-time internal and external messaging
• Managing misinformation and negativity
• Media interviews and narrative guidance
• Public speaking under pressure
• News conference strategy and execution
• Leadership communication during rapidly evolving events

The Outcome
By the end of Accelerate, you won't simply understand crisis communications theory; you'll have practiced it.  

You leave with:

• Sharper judgment under pressure
• Stronger leadership instincts
• Greater confidence in communicating during crises
• Practical experience navigating uncertainty and scrutiny
• New relationships with peers and experts across industries
• A readiness to lead when moments define careers, organizations, and public trust

By Day 3, you're not preparing for a crisis. You're leading through one.